innovation & design displays

In 2013, 23 housewares retailers from 22 countries from around the world will be recognized for exceptional retailing excellence and superior visual merchandising. Benefit from the merchandising savy of this group of best-in-class retailers by visiting the gia Showcase where visuals of their award-winning efforts are on display. On Sunday evening, March 3th, five retailers will receive the additional distinction of Global Honorees based on the determination of a distinguished panel of international retail experts.
Hall of Global Innovation, Lakeside Center Lobby

Discover Design >

A new world that has come to the Dine + Design section of the International Home + Housewares Show. Based on recommendations from and approval by the retail community, this exclusive new Show destination teams with trend leaders, innovators and design specialists from around the world.

If you are looking for enduring design that will delight your customers, put a visit to Discover Design at the top of your shopping list. Find tableware, flatware, cutlery, kitchen and home collections from suppliers who make design a priority.

Innovation Theater
Innovation and differentiation contribute to successful new products in the housewares industry. Leading designers, trendspotters and marketers offer inspiration to help identify the right products for consumers and present the latest thinking on green design and practice. Watch speakers from the 2012 lineup of great presentations. Room E350, Lakeside Center

Student Design Competition >

Meet the winners of the 19th annual Student Design Competition sponsored by the International Housewares Association. Industrial design students from the U.S., Canada and other countries compete in this rigorous program, judged by new product development professionals. Six winners come to Chicago to be introduced to the industry at our Show. See samples of their work and be inspired by their ideas for future products.

Global Design
With over 800 suppliers from outside the U.S. exhibiting in the Show, you can experience well-designed products from around the world. These global suppliers will be located in categories throughout the Show including companies from France, Brazil, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Turkey. Also, don’t miss the Global Crossroads Expo located in the North Building and featuring products from China, Hong Kong, India and Taiwan. This innovative expo focuses on the international pavilions offering unlimited sourcing opportunities.

New Product Showcases >

Take a peek at 100s of innovative new products from each Show Expo. These high demand new products are showcased inside the Buyers Clubs in the North and South buildings and Lakeside Center. A must-see for all Show buyers. Buyer's Clubs, All Buildings

PANTONE ColorWatch >

ColorWatch, the Show’s annual look at the impact of color on our industry, brings Pantone’s color forecasts to life. Nine color palettes representing the strongest home furnishings trends for 2014 are illustrated with powerful graphics and with products from Show exhibitors. Always a magnet for retailers and marketers, the appealing display offers inspiration and ideas for visual merchandising. On Monday March 4 in S100 at noon, Lee Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, describes her color forecast, further interpreting the ColorWatch display.

Going Green >

The Going Green display features examples of sustainable packaging and eco-friendly products by our exhibitors, selected by experts in sustainability. A product guide outlines the green characteristics of the displayed items and directs visitors to the booths to see more of the exhibitors’ products. Going Green is also a source for inspiration and information. Individuals knowledgeable in sustainable packaging, product planning and sustainable supply chain alternatives host the display and answer visitors’ questions about sustainability. Material ConneXion, the world’s foremost materials resource, www.materialconnexion.com, inspires visitors with a special hands-on display of exciting new materials.

Inventors Corner
How are the most creative minds solving the problems that consumers face each day? Visit the Inventors Corner, featuring actual product creations and their inventors. You may find your next best-seller here.